By Dave Buhlman
As anyone over twenty years old, who is not in a Hill-Bill hypnotic state can see, these two are the most ambitious, hypocritical Boris and Natashas to ever be involved in a presidential campaign. Bill was dubbed the "first black president" by poet Toni Morrison due to his perceived support of black issues and, maybe, his ability to look cool playing the saxophone. I'm not sure on the second one.
But they are raising the race issue whenever they can in the battle with Senator Barack Obama of Illinois. According to Dick Morris, a political strategist who helped out on a number of Bill Clinton campaigns (and was subjected to several anti-semitic remarks from Hillary for his trouble), the Clintons wanted Obama to win the Democrat South Carolina primary this past Saturday based mainly on black voters supporting him. Based on this, they can say/imply to the white voters in future primaries that, since the blacks are voting in a block for the black candidate, you whites should vote in a block for the February 5 primaries for Hillary to counter this "unfair" voting pattern by blacks in South Carolina. In this deceitful approach, the Clintons seek to bring the contest down to its very lowest common denominator - race. And, since there are more white voters than blacks, they feel that this highly offensive strategy will work. Flash to Hill-Bill - we are all just people, American people, not to be pigeonholed in your political apiary. And, as an aside, who could blame blacks for voting for this very impressive fellow who is the first legitimate shot for a black man to gain the White House? Not me. He will expand government even more than George Bush, so he is not the chosen candidate of this conservative Republican.
As another aside on this situation, can you imagine if it were Republicans pulling these racist shenanigans? There would be spittle coming out of the liberal newsreaders mouths as they excitedly kept us informed of the blow-by-blow of alleged Republican offenses. They would even break into soap operas with updates. Now that's serious.
The Republican primary in Florida is tomorrow, January 29. The results of this contest ought to whittle out a couple of the candidates - quite possibly Huckabee and Giuliani, who will then position themselves for the Vice President nod, or another position in a Republican administration. They are both low on dough. The most beautiful aspect is that our genius from Texas, Congressman Ron Paul, will be on the heels of Romney and McCain right up to the convention. He's got the dough, and there's more to come. This makes things a lot more interesting. Ron Paul makes the moderators in the debates sputter with concern about how much truth he is going to unload during his response. That alone is worth the price of admission.
Without Congressman Ron Paul, M.D., we would be subjected to McCain calling Romney a tax raising liberal, and Romney calling McCain a liberal tax raiser. Boooring.
Dave Buhlman is a former New Hampshire State Representative, published author, and supporter of constitutional government.
1.29.2008
1.25.2008
PICTURE IT
Hampton Union 01-25-08
By Ron Dupuis
Picture it. The year is 1966. A young battle tested (yet still boyishly good looking) recently discharged Marine is attempting to adjust to civilian life by matriculating college. The change is difficult. There are fraternities to pledge, social events to attend, and a whole array of organizations to join. The SBBS or “Students for Better Beer Society” is one that shows a lot of promise. To keep it all in perspective there are also courses to register for and classes to attend.
Every story needs a love interest. For this one it’s a California beauty named Sandy Nardella. Blonde, blue eyed, thin, and so tall her perfectly shaped leg’s seemed to go on forever. If not the inspiration of the Beach Boys 1965 hit song California Girls, she certainly could have been.
One day the California beauty invites a Political Science class to help out at a local campaign office. The young (yet boyishly good looking), still adjusting student jumps at the opportunity without even asking who the candidate was or what the issues were. At the time he would have turned Democrat in order to impress the California beauty.
Stuffing envelopes for a gubernatorial candidate is a somewhat menial task. Especially for our young friend who had but a minimal interest in politics. If, however, accomplishing such a boring task would lead to a closer relationship with classmate “California girl”, the attitude was “so be it.”
It is amazing how quickly things can change. Suddenly the door opened and the candidate himself entered the room. He was a tall man in his mid fifties, wearing a dark business type suit buttoned in the middle. His shirt was white and crisply starched, and his stripped tie was in a Windsor knot. His rugged face was well tanned. Not the type of tan you see around Orange County, but instead the kind someone receives from spending a great amount of time outdoors. He moved about the room with not only an air of confidence, but also a touch of humility. He offered praise, but more importantly was not afraid to asked the lowest of minions what they thought of the literature they were working on and the campaign in general. He was sincerely interested.
Our young student friend did not get to speak to the candidate, or even shake his hand. He was introduced from across the room as “Sandy’s friend over there stuffing envelopes” and did receive a high wave, accompanied by a nod of the head that could only mean “thank you”. That was enough. This is not to say that our young friend experienced and epiphany that day. Dating Miss California long legs was still important. Enjoying collage life and all the social amenities that went along with it was still important. He did however realize for that one brief moment in time he was not only in the presence of greatness, but also received a sincere signal of approval from a man who was likely go on to do great things for not only the State of California, but also our country and the entire world. End of story.
I’m sure running for President of the United States is a tremendous strain on most of the candidates. In order to capture the prize you have to do and say things, in public, that you would rather not do even in the most privet of moments. Shameless pandering is the name of the game. Last week Barack Obama received refute for invoking the name of President Ronald Reagan. As well he should. Reagan was a staunch conservative in every sense of the word who felt that negotiating with our enemies should be done from a position of strength. Obama is exactly the opposite.
Mr. Obama, I’ve followed Ronald Wilson Reagan’s career, from his election as Governor in the sixties until his death in 2004, and I can truly say “Sir, you’re no Ronald Reagan”.
By Ron Dupuis
Picture it. The year is 1966. A young battle tested (yet still boyishly good looking) recently discharged Marine is attempting to adjust to civilian life by matriculating college. The change is difficult. There are fraternities to pledge, social events to attend, and a whole array of organizations to join. The SBBS or “Students for Better Beer Society” is one that shows a lot of promise. To keep it all in perspective there are also courses to register for and classes to attend.
Every story needs a love interest. For this one it’s a California beauty named Sandy Nardella. Blonde, blue eyed, thin, and so tall her perfectly shaped leg’s seemed to go on forever. If not the inspiration of the Beach Boys 1965 hit song California Girls, she certainly could have been.
One day the California beauty invites a Political Science class to help out at a local campaign office. The young (yet boyishly good looking), still adjusting student jumps at the opportunity without even asking who the candidate was or what the issues were. At the time he would have turned Democrat in order to impress the California beauty.
Stuffing envelopes for a gubernatorial candidate is a somewhat menial task. Especially for our young friend who had but a minimal interest in politics. If, however, accomplishing such a boring task would lead to a closer relationship with classmate “California girl”, the attitude was “so be it.”
It is amazing how quickly things can change. Suddenly the door opened and the candidate himself entered the room. He was a tall man in his mid fifties, wearing a dark business type suit buttoned in the middle. His shirt was white and crisply starched, and his stripped tie was in a Windsor knot. His rugged face was well tanned. Not the type of tan you see around Orange County, but instead the kind someone receives from spending a great amount of time outdoors. He moved about the room with not only an air of confidence, but also a touch of humility. He offered praise, but more importantly was not afraid to asked the lowest of minions what they thought of the literature they were working on and the campaign in general. He was sincerely interested.
Our young student friend did not get to speak to the candidate, or even shake his hand. He was introduced from across the room as “Sandy’s friend over there stuffing envelopes” and did receive a high wave, accompanied by a nod of the head that could only mean “thank you”. That was enough. This is not to say that our young friend experienced and epiphany that day. Dating Miss California long legs was still important. Enjoying collage life and all the social amenities that went along with it was still important. He did however realize for that one brief moment in time he was not only in the presence of greatness, but also received a sincere signal of approval from a man who was likely go on to do great things for not only the State of California, but also our country and the entire world. End of story.
I’m sure running for President of the United States is a tremendous strain on most of the candidates. In order to capture the prize you have to do and say things, in public, that you would rather not do even in the most privet of moments. Shameless pandering is the name of the game. Last week Barack Obama received refute for invoking the name of President Ronald Reagan. As well he should. Reagan was a staunch conservative in every sense of the word who felt that negotiating with our enemies should be done from a position of strength. Obama is exactly the opposite.
Mr. Obama, I’ve followed Ronald Wilson Reagan’s career, from his election as Governor in the sixties until his death in 2004, and I can truly say “Sir, you’re no Ronald Reagan”.
1.21.2008
MEETING A CANDIDATE
By Dave Buhlman
I had the honor of meeting Republican presidential candidate, Albert Howard, last week. Mr. Howard only got a small number of votes in the New Hampshire primary, but he did have standing, as a candidate, to request a recount of votes in the New Hampshire Republican primary. Congressman Dennis K. had already gotten the Democrat recount started.
Mr. Howard had given the Secretary of State's office a check for $2,000., and filled out the forms to start the recount process. But the remaining cost of the recount was $55,600 which this small campaign did not have. But money for the recount came in from a fine fellow in Massachusetts who will be reimbursed by a collection being made by the Granny Warriors from all over the country. I accompanied Mr. Howard to deliver the check to the Secretary of State's office and the Secretary of State was good enough to accept the check even after the deadline he set had passed. This was clearly the right thing to do.
Those of us in New Hampshire know that Secretary of State Bill Gardner is a man of the highest integrity who would never allow anything untoward to transpire in our primaries. It was noticed that there were several anomalies between voting patterns in municipalities that had all hand counts with no machines, and those that used machines and this was part of the reason for the recount. Further, there has been suspicion for years among many in the country that some election results have been flat out rigged using various computer software to, say, shift votes from one candidate to another. Just paranoids on parade? Remember "Remember the Maine" and the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. That is, things are sometimes not as they appear, and government actually does engage in some manipulative behavior to get what they and their handlers want.
As an aside, the handlers and several of their pantry men in government will be in Davos, Switzerland soon for the annual meeting where these higher-level beings discuss the fate they have planned for the rest of the world. On the other hand, Bono has been invited, so how serious can it be? If it were Congressman Sonny Bono, who was a true conservative who asked some impertinent questions about how things really work in the world system, that would be interesting. However, those who ask impertinent questions are not invited; only true believers allowed. Congressman Bono, an expert skier, was killed in a ski accident a few years ago, but, hey, accidents happen.
In New Hampshire, we have paper ballots so these are now being counted and compared with the results produced by the machines, so there is some accountability in the process. This is better than South Carolina ,where bubbas galore lined up for their Republican primary this past Saturday. They have only touch screen computers with no paper trail whatsoever. So a programmer or hacker could change these election results with ease. These same touch screens were outlawed in California, so imagine how bad they must be if even the nuttiest state in the union (with all due apologies to Massachusetts) got rid of them.
It will be very interesting to see the results of the recounts, and may they happen with all due deliberate speed.
In Nevada, Congressman Ron Paul came in second in the caucuses on Saturday. If you watched Fox (Faux) News, you might have missed this because, although they had the Congressman's picture and number of votes right below winner Mitt's, they managed to never mention Ron Paul's name and the fact that he finished second, ahead of McCain and the other candidates Faux talking heads have been ordered by their bosses to love so.
Elsewhere, in the Sunshine State, whose primary is January 29, they are hiring helpers to assist all voters in the voting process.
Dave Buhlman is a former New Hampshire State Representative and published author.
I had the honor of meeting Republican presidential candidate, Albert Howard, last week. Mr. Howard only got a small number of votes in the New Hampshire primary, but he did have standing, as a candidate, to request a recount of votes in the New Hampshire Republican primary. Congressman Dennis K. had already gotten the Democrat recount started.
Mr. Howard had given the Secretary of State's office a check for $2,000., and filled out the forms to start the recount process. But the remaining cost of the recount was $55,600 which this small campaign did not have. But money for the recount came in from a fine fellow in Massachusetts who will be reimbursed by a collection being made by the Granny Warriors from all over the country. I accompanied Mr. Howard to deliver the check to the Secretary of State's office and the Secretary of State was good enough to accept the check even after the deadline he set had passed. This was clearly the right thing to do.
Those of us in New Hampshire know that Secretary of State Bill Gardner is a man of the highest integrity who would never allow anything untoward to transpire in our primaries. It was noticed that there were several anomalies between voting patterns in municipalities that had all hand counts with no machines, and those that used machines and this was part of the reason for the recount. Further, there has been suspicion for years among many in the country that some election results have been flat out rigged using various computer software to, say, shift votes from one candidate to another. Just paranoids on parade? Remember "Remember the Maine" and the Gulf of Tonkin Resolution. That is, things are sometimes not as they appear, and government actually does engage in some manipulative behavior to get what they and their handlers want.
As an aside, the handlers and several of their pantry men in government will be in Davos, Switzerland soon for the annual meeting where these higher-level beings discuss the fate they have planned for the rest of the world. On the other hand, Bono has been invited, so how serious can it be? If it were Congressman Sonny Bono, who was a true conservative who asked some impertinent questions about how things really work in the world system, that would be interesting. However, those who ask impertinent questions are not invited; only true believers allowed. Congressman Bono, an expert skier, was killed in a ski accident a few years ago, but, hey, accidents happen.
In New Hampshire, we have paper ballots so these are now being counted and compared with the results produced by the machines, so there is some accountability in the process. This is better than South Carolina ,where bubbas galore lined up for their Republican primary this past Saturday. They have only touch screen computers with no paper trail whatsoever. So a programmer or hacker could change these election results with ease. These same touch screens were outlawed in California, so imagine how bad they must be if even the nuttiest state in the union (with all due apologies to Massachusetts) got rid of them.
It will be very interesting to see the results of the recounts, and may they happen with all due deliberate speed.
In Nevada, Congressman Ron Paul came in second in the caucuses on Saturday. If you watched Fox (Faux) News, you might have missed this because, although they had the Congressman's picture and number of votes right below winner Mitt's, they managed to never mention Ron Paul's name and the fact that he finished second, ahead of McCain and the other candidates Faux talking heads have been ordered by their bosses to love so.
Elsewhere, in the Sunshine State, whose primary is January 29, they are hiring helpers to assist all voters in the voting process.
Dave Buhlman is a former New Hampshire State Representative and published author.
1.19.2008
Meet Peter Borough - Hampton Union 01-18-08
By Ron Dupuis
January 18, 2008 6:00 AM
This column is dedicated to Crawford Notch and his friend Gary, whose literary excellence I've long admired and hope to achieve someday ...; Ron Dupuis
Everyone knows someone like Peter Borough. His age is mid 50s or early 60s. His beard is one that seems like he is trying to grow it in to its full potential, or instead, one that appears to be the result of just not shaving for the last few days. It's difficult to tell. Peter Borough (he likes being addressed by his full name) almost always wears tweed.
In the summer, the tweed jacket is accompanied by docker trousers with all the extra side pockets, in winter, corduroys. When the occasion calls for it, Peter Borough will accompany his ensemble with a striped bow tie and a checkered shirt. At any given point in time there are three places Peter Borough will be found. One of the area's high-end coffee shops drinking a latté and discussing evils of the Bush policies, or lack thereof, concerning global warming, one of the many salt marshes that dot the Seacoast, observing the migrating habits of the three-legged marsh sloth, or finally, near some body of water contemplating the end of life as we know it in 10 years as predicted by Al Gore.
On this particular occasion I found him sitting on a sea wall in a somewhat loose "Lotus" position with his head bowed so low his chin was touching his chest. "Peter Borough, how are you today" I shouted from a distance so as not to startle him?
"Oh, OK I guess," "a little depressed, but I'll get past it" he responded weakly.
"What the heck do you have to be depressed about" I asked?
"Well" Peter started, "my hero, former President Al Gore is receiving a lot of flack for being named the Nobel Peace Prize winner."
"Hang on there a minute, Peter" I said. "Al Gore is not the former president; he's the former vice president. And he received the "Peace" prize for a "theory" concerning climate change. A theory," I stressed. "Nothing more than that."
Peter looked a little puzzled. "Let me ask you two questions. Did Gore receive the most votes in the 2000 election and, considering former President Gore's (accenting the word president at this point) climate change doctrine, will this sea wall still be here in 10 years?"
"Yes on both counts" I responded. "The rules and requirements of being elected president were set up by our founding fathers 200 years ago and former Vice (stressing the word vice) President Gore did not meet those requirements."
"As for this sea wall," I continued, "if the town maintains it properly, yes it will still be here in 10 years, despite what you and Al Gore believes. The polar ice cap is naturally re-adjusting, not melting away and most non-political, clearheaded scientists feel the worst-case scenario is a few center meter rise along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, not the cataclysmic disaster you and your liberal theorist believe."
Peter Borough's jaw dropped. He stared at me in both amazement and hurt. He had the look of a wounded puppy dog in his eyes. Not because I had convinced him of any of my beliefs but instead that I had not accepted his doctrine as truth. In fact, as in the case with most narrowminded liberals, for someone to even have the audacity to question their tenets is tantamount to the most serious of mortal sin and deserving of an eternity in the fires of Hades.
"Come on Peter, it's cold. Let's get a coffee. There's a Dunkin' Donuts around the corner." I could hear Peter gasp for air as we walked away.
January 18, 2008 6:00 AM
This column is dedicated to Crawford Notch and his friend Gary, whose literary excellence I've long admired and hope to achieve someday ...; Ron Dupuis
Everyone knows someone like Peter Borough. His age is mid 50s or early 60s. His beard is one that seems like he is trying to grow it in to its full potential, or instead, one that appears to be the result of just not shaving for the last few days. It's difficult to tell. Peter Borough (he likes being addressed by his full name) almost always wears tweed.
In the summer, the tweed jacket is accompanied by docker trousers with all the extra side pockets, in winter, corduroys. When the occasion calls for it, Peter Borough will accompany his ensemble with a striped bow tie and a checkered shirt. At any given point in time there are three places Peter Borough will be found. One of the area's high-end coffee shops drinking a latté and discussing evils of the Bush policies, or lack thereof, concerning global warming, one of the many salt marshes that dot the Seacoast, observing the migrating habits of the three-legged marsh sloth, or finally, near some body of water contemplating the end of life as we know it in 10 years as predicted by Al Gore.
On this particular occasion I found him sitting on a sea wall in a somewhat loose "Lotus" position with his head bowed so low his chin was touching his chest. "Peter Borough, how are you today" I shouted from a distance so as not to startle him?
"Oh, OK I guess," "a little depressed, but I'll get past it" he responded weakly.
"What the heck do you have to be depressed about" I asked?
"Well" Peter started, "my hero, former President Al Gore is receiving a lot of flack for being named the Nobel Peace Prize winner."
"Hang on there a minute, Peter" I said. "Al Gore is not the former president; he's the former vice president. And he received the "Peace" prize for a "theory" concerning climate change. A theory," I stressed. "Nothing more than that."
Peter looked a little puzzled. "Let me ask you two questions. Did Gore receive the most votes in the 2000 election and, considering former President Gore's (accenting the word president at this point) climate change doctrine, will this sea wall still be here in 10 years?"
"Yes on both counts" I responded. "The rules and requirements of being elected president were set up by our founding fathers 200 years ago and former Vice (stressing the word vice) President Gore did not meet those requirements."
"As for this sea wall," I continued, "if the town maintains it properly, yes it will still be here in 10 years, despite what you and Al Gore believes. The polar ice cap is naturally re-adjusting, not melting away and most non-political, clearheaded scientists feel the worst-case scenario is a few center meter rise along the Eastern Seaboard of the United States, not the cataclysmic disaster you and your liberal theorist believe."
Peter Borough's jaw dropped. He stared at me in both amazement and hurt. He had the look of a wounded puppy dog in his eyes. Not because I had convinced him of any of my beliefs but instead that I had not accepted his doctrine as truth. In fact, as in the case with most narrowminded liberals, for someone to even have the audacity to question their tenets is tantamount to the most serious of mortal sin and deserving of an eternity in the fires of Hades.
"Come on Peter, it's cold. Let's get a coffee. There's a Dunkin' Donuts around the corner." I could hear Peter gasp for air as we walked away.
1.14.2008
BETTER LEFT UNSAID
By Dave Buhlman
Senator John McCain told a group in Michigan that their jobs are gone and, my friends, are not coming back. The optimism of this leader is infectious, but pray you don't catch it.
What McCain and others running on both sides of the ticket, and many others in the establishment might have added, in the interest of some real straight talk, is the following.
"Yes, my friends, your good manufacturing jobs are gone for good. When we passed NAFTA in 1993, signed into law by my good friend, President Bill Clinton, we knew that there would be hell to pay, but that we and our real friends at or near the top of the pecking order, in and out of big corporations, would not be paying it. You would. Remember that funny little billionaire in the 1992 presidential election talking about the "sucking sound" created by jobs being whooshed from America to Mexico if NAFTA passed? That was my good friend, Ross Perot. Eighteen percent of the American people believed the sucking sound truth, which helped put my very good friend, Bill Clinton, in the White House, ousting my very, very good friend, George Bush the Elder. So many Fords and Chevies that were made here are now made in Mexico because of NAFTA. Many of you went on the unemployment line and then got those nice little Walmart vests, while profits soared for the companies who said, Adios America! It was not hasta luego from these titans of industry because they sure did not intend to see any of you later, my friends. So deal with it, while many in Washington deal with fattened political war chests.
"I hope you can handle this straight talk, my friends. Here's a little more. There's a lie being bandied about that there are 12 million illegal aliens in this country. My friends, let's not be pikers about this! The number is in the 20 million range and growing fast. My friends, Senator Ted Kennedy and George Bush the Junior, wanted to join my effort to give all 20 million of these people, who I consider my good friends, amnesty despite the fact that they broke our laws. The corporations who own Congress lock, stock and cloakrooms, with the exception of that little piece owned and operated by Planned Parenthood, wanted these workers in order to increase their profits by paying them less than they pay you, my friends. But, don't worry, we will create jobs for all of you through retraining to become computer programmers instead of the skilled mechanics that you are. Of course, my friends, you can only have those computer jobs that we do not send overseas or give to foreigners who come here through the H-1B visa program, also created by Congress to take more of your jobs away. So hang on to your Walmart vests. Be prepared!
"There is a Republican candidate running for president, my friends, who talks about getting rid of NAFTA, GATT and other laws and treaties that have hurt millions of Americans. Hurt them badly too, if you can stand a little more straight talk. We candidates, and those in the big corporate media, who are all paid enormous bucks, like to make fun of Congressman Ron Paul, and you should join in too. Why would you want someone as president who will disrupt the current system that's treating you so well? No, wait a minute, that talk is a little too straight, my friends."
Dave Buhlman is a former two-term New Hampshire State Representative and published author who aupports efforts to restore the Republic. All rights reserved.
Senator John McCain told a group in Michigan that their jobs are gone and, my friends, are not coming back. The optimism of this leader is infectious, but pray you don't catch it.
What McCain and others running on both sides of the ticket, and many others in the establishment might have added, in the interest of some real straight talk, is the following.
"Yes, my friends, your good manufacturing jobs are gone for good. When we passed NAFTA in 1993, signed into law by my good friend, President Bill Clinton, we knew that there would be hell to pay, but that we and our real friends at or near the top of the pecking order, in and out of big corporations, would not be paying it. You would. Remember that funny little billionaire in the 1992 presidential election talking about the "sucking sound" created by jobs being whooshed from America to Mexico if NAFTA passed? That was my good friend, Ross Perot. Eighteen percent of the American people believed the sucking sound truth, which helped put my very good friend, Bill Clinton, in the White House, ousting my very, very good friend, George Bush the Elder. So many Fords and Chevies that were made here are now made in Mexico because of NAFTA. Many of you went on the unemployment line and then got those nice little Walmart vests, while profits soared for the companies who said, Adios America! It was not hasta luego from these titans of industry because they sure did not intend to see any of you later, my friends. So deal with it, while many in Washington deal with fattened political war chests.
"I hope you can handle this straight talk, my friends. Here's a little more. There's a lie being bandied about that there are 12 million illegal aliens in this country. My friends, let's not be pikers about this! The number is in the 20 million range and growing fast. My friends, Senator Ted Kennedy and George Bush the Junior, wanted to join my effort to give all 20 million of these people, who I consider my good friends, amnesty despite the fact that they broke our laws. The corporations who own Congress lock, stock and cloakrooms, with the exception of that little piece owned and operated by Planned Parenthood, wanted these workers in order to increase their profits by paying them less than they pay you, my friends. But, don't worry, we will create jobs for all of you through retraining to become computer programmers instead of the skilled mechanics that you are. Of course, my friends, you can only have those computer jobs that we do not send overseas or give to foreigners who come here through the H-1B visa program, also created by Congress to take more of your jobs away. So hang on to your Walmart vests. Be prepared!
"There is a Republican candidate running for president, my friends, who talks about getting rid of NAFTA, GATT and other laws and treaties that have hurt millions of Americans. Hurt them badly too, if you can stand a little more straight talk. We candidates, and those in the big corporate media, who are all paid enormous bucks, like to make fun of Congressman Ron Paul, and you should join in too. Why would you want someone as president who will disrupt the current system that's treating you so well? No, wait a minute, that talk is a little too straight, my friends."
Dave Buhlman is a former two-term New Hampshire State Representative and published author who aupports efforts to restore the Republic. All rights reserved.
1.11.2008
GOODBYE PRIMARY
Hampton Union- 01-11-08
It's over. The TV advertisements will stop. The endless campaign mailings are finished. And, my personal favorite annoyance, those seemingly endless phone surveys will end.
TV ads: Clearly the largest expense of any political campaign and, in the beginning of the season, the most effective. No politically concerned citizen minds seeing a smiling face with a positive message every now and then. The key words here are "every now and then." When things begin to heat up, about in the middle of the campaign, the ads go from being a smiling positive message to a more intense, dour, almost name calling, negative communiqué. They are almost always accompanied by a grainy, unflattering photo or clip of the intended opposition target either picking their nose or scratching their butt. The worst part is the frequency of these ads. One night my wife counted at least eight while pondering the trials and tribulations of someone she refers to as "Dr. McDreamy" during a commercial break.
Campaign mailings: In the beginning there are just a few that clog our mail boxes. As in the TV ads, almost all are positive. In the beginning that is. When the election is close the candidate manages to still have an attractive, highly air brushed image of them, yet seem to find the most ugly, unattractive image of the opponent. It is at this juncture we all start to receive mailing from all the fringe groups such as "Save the Sloths" and "Peace Through Warmth and Understanding." I wonder how many trees would be saved if all the candidates keep mailings to a minimal.
Phone surveys: Clearly the most annoying aspect of this year's election. The sad truth is that they are all totally unnecessary. Telephone poll takers and surveys are for the most part, contracted by media outlets, such as newspapers, magazines, and TV networks. Their main purpose is to give lazy reporters something to talk about. The secondary purpose is to create controversy and concern among voters. The third and more nefarious purpose, "In My Humble Opinion," is to steer the perceived slack-jawed, knuckle-dragging voters away from one candidate and toward another.
In the Dupuis household I simply accuse the caller of not being who he says he is, but instead the guy who is seeing my wife on the sly and that if I ever find him he will pay with his life. My wife on the other hand responds to all the questions with a deep sultry voice culminating by stating that Tom Brady is receiving her vote for president. My 13 year old does her "valley girl" impression saying Paris Hilton is her choice. She ends the call by stating she has to go because of a critical appointment to get her nails done.
Most New Hampshire residents, whether political junkies such as myself, or not, take our first-in-the-nation primary status very seriously. We invite candidates into our homes, our church meeting halls and our restaurants. We don't do it just to listen to some canned stump speech either. We do it because we want to look any potential president directly in the eye when we ask a question. We do it because we want any potential candidate to look us directly in the eye when he or she answers. We're pretty smart here in New Hampshire and can spot a phony a mile away.
Of course, this is all just "In My Humble Opinion."
Ron Dupuis is a longtime New Hampshire resident, former state representative and a freelance writer. E-mail him at drcdupuis@comcast.net or visit his Web site at www.imho-nh.blogspot.com.
It's over. The TV advertisements will stop. The endless campaign mailings are finished. And, my personal favorite annoyance, those seemingly endless phone surveys will end.
TV ads: Clearly the largest expense of any political campaign and, in the beginning of the season, the most effective. No politically concerned citizen minds seeing a smiling face with a positive message every now and then. The key words here are "every now and then." When things begin to heat up, about in the middle of the campaign, the ads go from being a smiling positive message to a more intense, dour, almost name calling, negative communiqué. They are almost always accompanied by a grainy, unflattering photo or clip of the intended opposition target either picking their nose or scratching their butt. The worst part is the frequency of these ads. One night my wife counted at least eight while pondering the trials and tribulations of someone she refers to as "Dr. McDreamy" during a commercial break.
Campaign mailings: In the beginning there are just a few that clog our mail boxes. As in the TV ads, almost all are positive. In the beginning that is. When the election is close the candidate manages to still have an attractive, highly air brushed image of them, yet seem to find the most ugly, unattractive image of the opponent. It is at this juncture we all start to receive mailing from all the fringe groups such as "Save the Sloths" and "Peace Through Warmth and Understanding." I wonder how many trees would be saved if all the candidates keep mailings to a minimal.
Phone surveys: Clearly the most annoying aspect of this year's election. The sad truth is that they are all totally unnecessary. Telephone poll takers and surveys are for the most part, contracted by media outlets, such as newspapers, magazines, and TV networks. Their main purpose is to give lazy reporters something to talk about. The secondary purpose is to create controversy and concern among voters. The third and more nefarious purpose, "In My Humble Opinion," is to steer the perceived slack-jawed, knuckle-dragging voters away from one candidate and toward another.
In the Dupuis household I simply accuse the caller of not being who he says he is, but instead the guy who is seeing my wife on the sly and that if I ever find him he will pay with his life. My wife on the other hand responds to all the questions with a deep sultry voice culminating by stating that Tom Brady is receiving her vote for president. My 13 year old does her "valley girl" impression saying Paris Hilton is her choice. She ends the call by stating she has to go because of a critical appointment to get her nails done.
Most New Hampshire residents, whether political junkies such as myself, or not, take our first-in-the-nation primary status very seriously. We invite candidates into our homes, our church meeting halls and our restaurants. We don't do it just to listen to some canned stump speech either. We do it because we want to look any potential president directly in the eye when we ask a question. We do it because we want any potential candidate to look us directly in the eye when he or she answers. We're pretty smart here in New Hampshire and can spot a phony a mile away.
Of course, this is all just "In My Humble Opinion."
Ron Dupuis is a longtime New Hampshire resident, former state representative and a freelance writer. E-mail him at drcdupuis@comcast.net or visit his Web site at www.imho-nh.blogspot.com.
1.10.2008
Change Talks, Experience Walks
---by Micheal
NH primary voters surprised the media pundits. After Iowa, they were all hyped up that THE key word was "change." They were trying to spin the American "mood" (like we only get one?) as demanding "change." They thought they had us all figured out.
All of the candidates picked up on this media presumption. In their last debate all of the GOP candidates were shoehorning the word "change" into their carefully crafted responses. The pundits took this as vindication that they were right (not that they might have caused the cavalcade of change-words).
What's fascinating, is that the voters of New Hampshire did NOT do what the pundits predicted. New Hampshire voters picked McCain and Hillary. Both strongly tout their experience. They're proud of knowing the old ropes and familiarity with how things are done. This is not change. These are champions of their respective status quo.
Hillary is the heir apparent to the old guard 90s liberal agenda. Whatever the many-headed beast of liberalism has declared proper (gay marriage, welfare, abortion, socialized medicine, etc.), she has been the champion. There's no change there. Well, I suppose there would be a change for America if she gets into the White House, but that's the change of old liberal for old conservative. Not really a change in the sense the pundits liked, as in 'something new.'
McCain, as much as he cultivates the maverick image, is old school Republican. He's pushed all the usual Republican buttons. There's no change there either. If he gets to the White House, it would be a change in style perhaps, but nothing radical. He'd just give the liberals someone new to vilify.
Prior to the Iowa caucuses, the media and pundits predicted who the two "obvious" front runners were (Hillary and Romney). Iowa picked two others. So, it's not that the pundits were just wrong, you know. Oh no. It's that America is demanding change! The pundits then predicted that New Hampshire would opt for the candidates of change. But no. NH picked the big status quo candidates.
Okay pundits. Now what mood is America in?
NH primary voters surprised the media pundits. After Iowa, they were all hyped up that THE key word was "change." They were trying to spin the American "mood" (like we only get one?) as demanding "change." They thought they had us all figured out.
All of the candidates picked up on this media presumption. In their last debate all of the GOP candidates were shoehorning the word "change" into their carefully crafted responses. The pundits took this as vindication that they were right (not that they might have caused the cavalcade of change-words).
What's fascinating, is that the voters of New Hampshire did NOT do what the pundits predicted. New Hampshire voters picked McCain and Hillary. Both strongly tout their experience. They're proud of knowing the old ropes and familiarity with how things are done. This is not change. These are champions of their respective status quo.
Hillary is the heir apparent to the old guard 90s liberal agenda. Whatever the many-headed beast of liberalism has declared proper (gay marriage, welfare, abortion, socialized medicine, etc.), she has been the champion. There's no change there. Well, I suppose there would be a change for America if she gets into the White House, but that's the change of old liberal for old conservative. Not really a change in the sense the pundits liked, as in 'something new.'
McCain, as much as he cultivates the maverick image, is old school Republican. He's pushed all the usual Republican buttons. There's no change there either. If he gets to the White House, it would be a change in style perhaps, but nothing radical. He'd just give the liberals someone new to vilify.
Prior to the Iowa caucuses, the media and pundits predicted who the two "obvious" front runners were (Hillary and Romney). Iowa picked two others. So, it's not that the pundits were just wrong, you know. Oh no. It's that America is demanding change! The pundits then predicted that New Hampshire would opt for the candidates of change. But no. NH picked the big status quo candidates.
Okay pundits. Now what mood is America in?
1.05.2008
Obama: The New Carter
-- by Micheal
Early in the campaign speeches cycle, all of the Democratic candidates were sounding highly socialist. The government should do everything, manage everything for the betterment of mankind. Teachers deserve a bajillion dollars, as does every other union worker. Everyone should have the ultimate best healthcare at no cost, etc. etc. Spend spend spend. Obama was right in there chanting the left's favorite songs.
Now, Obama is being touted as the great unifier. THE one who (unlike Hillary) can reach out to conservatives and help us all get along. This is a far different song. Which one is the real Obama? I do admit that Obama comes across as a nice guy. He's a smoother public speaker. He doesn't have, perhaps for lack of media exposure, Hillary's reputation for meanness. It is this nice-guy-ness that I could see appealing to the undecided and centrist Republicans (if the GOP opts for a rightist).
If Obama does get the DFL nomination, and the GOP puts up an unpalatable candidate, Obama could win the presidency. Given the last two presidential elections, I would predict him not winning any kind of "landslide" or obvious "mandate" as election spinners like to spin it. Obama would, indeed, have to build coalitions and be the nice guy.
The appeal for a change, for a fresh face, sounds mighty familiar. As the fresh face new-comer nice-guy, Obama would be the new Carter. A guy you could like, but ultimately ineffective. Consensus and coalition don't tend to accomplish much beyond the status quo. Consensus and coalition don't act quickly (if at all).
Republicans seem to worry about a Hillary presidency, because they recognize that she's not a consensus and coalition type. She's more guns-a-blazin' old school Democrat who would push for the leftist agenda and take no prisoners. Sure, the other old school Dems would like this, but the country as a whole would remain split.
I don't think Republicans worry as much about an Obama presidency. Carter didn't hurt them much and actually ended up helping them.
Early in the campaign speeches cycle, all of the Democratic candidates were sounding highly socialist. The government should do everything, manage everything for the betterment of mankind. Teachers deserve a bajillion dollars, as does every other union worker. Everyone should have the ultimate best healthcare at no cost, etc. etc. Spend spend spend. Obama was right in there chanting the left's favorite songs.
Now, Obama is being touted as the great unifier. THE one who (unlike Hillary) can reach out to conservatives and help us all get along. This is a far different song. Which one is the real Obama? I do admit that Obama comes across as a nice guy. He's a smoother public speaker. He doesn't have, perhaps for lack of media exposure, Hillary's reputation for meanness. It is this nice-guy-ness that I could see appealing to the undecided and centrist Republicans (if the GOP opts for a rightist).
If Obama does get the DFL nomination, and the GOP puts up an unpalatable candidate, Obama could win the presidency. Given the last two presidential elections, I would predict him not winning any kind of "landslide" or obvious "mandate" as election spinners like to spin it. Obama would, indeed, have to build coalitions and be the nice guy.
The appeal for a change, for a fresh face, sounds mighty familiar. As the fresh face new-comer nice-guy, Obama would be the new Carter. A guy you could like, but ultimately ineffective. Consensus and coalition don't tend to accomplish much beyond the status quo. Consensus and coalition don't act quickly (if at all).
Republicans seem to worry about a Hillary presidency, because they recognize that she's not a consensus and coalition type. She's more guns-a-blazin' old school Democrat who would push for the leftist agenda and take no prisoners. Sure, the other old school Dems would like this, but the country as a whole would remain split.
I don't think Republicans worry as much about an Obama presidency. Carter didn't hurt them much and actually ended up helping them.
1.03.2008
IMHO-NH Hampton Union Fri Jan 4th
By Ron Dupuis
This newspaper goes to press long before the Iowa caucus results are in. In fact, this newspaper goes to press long before the “cauci” even begins. Despite that, me, being the ever petulant prognosticator of prodigious political parlance, will pen my congratulations to the winners here and now (mid-day Wednesday, January 2nd.) Should I be wrong, my statements will at the very least give me the title of next Friday’s column, “Humble Pie”.
Republicans:
WIN: Kudos’ Mike Huckabee. Despite what many left thinking Republicans said about you, your victory by at least five percentage points proves that people in Iowa are not afraid of the word GOD. Now take no more than one day off then get back here to New Hampshire and continue exactly what you’re doing. That is run a positive campaign focusing on what you would do as President of the United States.
Place: Mitt Romney. Congratulations Sir. Second place in the Iowa caucus does still give you the momentum to continue here in New Hampshire. My unsolicited advice is to take a few days off, rest, and solidify your position on several key issues such as abortion, health care, and immigration. In fact, having been the former Governor of the Republic of Massachusetts and a wealthy property owner here in New Hampshire why not just skip campaigning here altogether. I hear the weather is great in Florida.
Show: Congressman Ron Paul. Your strong showing in Iowa tells me that every state, even Iowa, has a group of discontented radical conspiracy theorist. Most of your supporters that I’ve spoken with here in New Hampshire are either from out of state, here only for the primary, or libertarians that have moved here with a plan to take over State government. You have no chance of ever being elected President. Return to earth and go back to Texas.
Also Ran: Rudy Giuliani, you by passed campaigning in Iowa because they do not have a Carnegie Deli there and other issues that are beyond me. Fred Thompson, you seem too tired to campaign anywhere. Duncan Hunter you just want to be Secretary of the Interior. Those are the reasons why the three of you did not fare well and wound up here in the “Also Ran” section.
Democrats:
WIN: Congratulations Mrs. Rodham Clinton. You managed to beat out your opponent by the slimmest of margins. You seem to have enough momentum to continue on in New Hampshire. South Carolina will be a fight, as will Florida. Be careful in Kansas. Someone my wish to drop a house on you.
Place: Barack Obama only by two percent behind Mrs. Rodham Clinton. Keep up the good work. The “Kennedy” style plays well in New England. Don’t forget to register all the outlaying cemetery’s in the Chicago area. Every vote counts.
Show: John Edwards. Third place only, dare I say it, by a hair. You’re polished and well spoken. Even for a personnel injury lawyer. Third place in one of Iowa’s tightest contest means a lot. My “free” advice here Sir is stop telling everyone what bad shape the country is in. Change you message to a more positive one. You might consider a less expensive haircut. Perhaps a mullet.
Also Ran: Biden, Kucinich, Dodd, and Richardson. You all had one or two salient points about different issues. Biden’s was about the war in Iraq, Dodd, about the economy, Bill Richardson about foreign policy, and Kucinich about space travel. Unfortunately none of you seemed to get your message across. Advice, drop out now and don’t waste any more money.
Next week, Congratulations To Me, or, What Was I Smoking.
Ron Dupuis is a long time New Hampshire resident, a former State Representative, and a freelance writer. His e-mail is drcdupuis@comcast.net. His web site may be viewed at www.imho-nh.blogspot.com
This newspaper goes to press long before the Iowa caucus results are in. In fact, this newspaper goes to press long before the “cauci” even begins. Despite that, me, being the ever petulant prognosticator of prodigious political parlance, will pen my congratulations to the winners here and now (mid-day Wednesday, January 2nd.) Should I be wrong, my statements will at the very least give me the title of next Friday’s column, “Humble Pie”.
Republicans:
WIN: Kudos’ Mike Huckabee. Despite what many left thinking Republicans said about you, your victory by at least five percentage points proves that people in Iowa are not afraid of the word GOD. Now take no more than one day off then get back here to New Hampshire and continue exactly what you’re doing. That is run a positive campaign focusing on what you would do as President of the United States.
Place: Mitt Romney. Congratulations Sir. Second place in the Iowa caucus does still give you the momentum to continue here in New Hampshire. My unsolicited advice is to take a few days off, rest, and solidify your position on several key issues such as abortion, health care, and immigration. In fact, having been the former Governor of the Republic of Massachusetts and a wealthy property owner here in New Hampshire why not just skip campaigning here altogether. I hear the weather is great in Florida.
Show: Congressman Ron Paul. Your strong showing in Iowa tells me that every state, even Iowa, has a group of discontented radical conspiracy theorist. Most of your supporters that I’ve spoken with here in New Hampshire are either from out of state, here only for the primary, or libertarians that have moved here with a plan to take over State government. You have no chance of ever being elected President. Return to earth and go back to Texas.
Also Ran: Rudy Giuliani, you by passed campaigning in Iowa because they do not have a Carnegie Deli there and other issues that are beyond me. Fred Thompson, you seem too tired to campaign anywhere. Duncan Hunter you just want to be Secretary of the Interior. Those are the reasons why the three of you did not fare well and wound up here in the “Also Ran” section.
Democrats:
WIN: Congratulations Mrs. Rodham Clinton. You managed to beat out your opponent by the slimmest of margins. You seem to have enough momentum to continue on in New Hampshire. South Carolina will be a fight, as will Florida. Be careful in Kansas. Someone my wish to drop a house on you.
Place: Barack Obama only by two percent behind Mrs. Rodham Clinton. Keep up the good work. The “Kennedy” style plays well in New England. Don’t forget to register all the outlaying cemetery’s in the Chicago area. Every vote counts.
Show: John Edwards. Third place only, dare I say it, by a hair. You’re polished and well spoken. Even for a personnel injury lawyer. Third place in one of Iowa’s tightest contest means a lot. My “free” advice here Sir is stop telling everyone what bad shape the country is in. Change you message to a more positive one. You might consider a less expensive haircut. Perhaps a mullet.
Also Ran: Biden, Kucinich, Dodd, and Richardson. You all had one or two salient points about different issues. Biden’s was about the war in Iraq, Dodd, about the economy, Bill Richardson about foreign policy, and Kucinich about space travel. Unfortunately none of you seemed to get your message across. Advice, drop out now and don’t waste any more money.
Next week, Congratulations To Me, or, What Was I Smoking.
Ron Dupuis is a long time New Hampshire resident, a former State Representative, and a freelance writer. His e-mail is drcdupuis@comcast.net. His web site may be viewed at www.imho-nh.blogspot.com
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